Top Rated Parks to Visit in Siesta Key

"The Venetian Waterway Park is a fantastic place to explore the city’s beautiful canals and waterways. The park follows the waterways – in particular, the major Intracoastal Waterway, which separates the coast from the mainland. There are several miles of walking paths leading from downtown Venice, following a gentle route along the water that eventually leads all the way to Caspersen Beach to the south of the city."

"Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, nature lovers, and rollerbladers can enjoy the Venetian Waterway Trail running either side of the Intracoastal channel, and the Legacy Trail a paved recreational trail. See boats, birds, and even dolphins as you enjoy exercising in the fresh air."

"Hiking Trails257 North Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285MoreLess Info. Waterway Park is a public park that was initiated in 1999. Visitors of the park can walk or cycle a 9.5 mile trail that passes through the park, and dolphins can be seen in the nearby waterways."

"As soon as you see the bright blue waters and white sand beaches of this park, you’ll instantly be at peace. Take some time to ride a paddleboard across the waters, search for shells on the beach, or lie back and enjoy catching up on your suntan!. Wildlife abounds here, so keep an eye out for pelicans, especially at Brushy Bayou!"

"When Siesta Beach Park is packed, Glebe Park is the place to go for locals and visitors, located right behind the St. Michael the Archangel Church. It is a substantially sized 10-acre park offering a full range of amenities including a covered picnic area, a covered playground, baseball field, soccer field and basketball courts. Enjoy a picnic here, ride bikes, or play a few games of your favorite outdoor sport with the family a bit away from the noise of Siesta Beach on one of your vacation days at Glebe Park."

"Glebe Park is a small sports park with a soccer field, basketball court, and concession stand halfway up the island. It is clean and well-maintained, but provides little shade. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and even an umbrella to stay cool and protect your skin from the sun."

"This is the big bridge that connects Downtown Sarasota to Bird Key. Make a morning of riding a bike or walking to the top of the bridge, and spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful houses and charming small town of Bird Key. When you head back up the bridge, don’t miss out on getting photos of the Sarasota city skyline!"

"It’s only an acre, but it has the benefit of being within close proximity of Siesta Village in an overall quieter area. The park has a fun little playing and picnicking area, but it’s the combination of the sensational sandy beach line that puts it at the top. Playgrounds are free and a perfect way to spend some time on sunny Siesta Key for families."

"This park is complete with a beautiful, palm-lined beach, a covered playground, and public facilities. This Siesta Key playground is quieter than places like Siesta Beach Park, but still close to the Village. Only an acre big, the small park is wedged at the juncture of Midnight Pass Road and Higel Avenue on the island’s north end."

"Located in the middle of a quiet, middle-class neighborhood, this peaceful park is the perfect setting for a cookout with the family under shady trees or a game of catch in unobstructed open space. Shade trees cover half the park, but the portion at 13th Avenue West and 28th Street is primarily open green space. The park is surrounded by a wooden, rail fence and parking is prohibited inside."

"This 23-acre neighborhood park features numerous athletic and outdoor recreational opportunities such as soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, a fitness trail..."

"Venice Ave., Venice, (941) 480-1700, croissantandcovenice.com. On downtown mornings, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a seat at this downtown Venice boulangerie, patisserie and restaurant. Credit the mountain of pastries and sweets behind the counter up front, as well as a menu loaded with quiches, sandwiches and salads."